Experiences After Pregnancy Among Unmarried Adolescents in Upper North

Abstract

Pregnancy in adolescents, especially in a group of unmarried pregnant teenagers remains the important issue that needs health care personnel to be aware of ongoing attention, particularly in terms of mother and baby health problems including physical, psychological, emotional and social. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the experience of being unmarried pregnant teenagers following their own views. Seventeen participants were purposively selected. They were: 15 to 18 years of age, being first pregnancy, having gestational age between 32 to 36 weeks, and living in the upper north of Thailand. The data were collected by using in- depth interview and were analyzed using content analysis method.

The study found that pregnant teenagess perceived that pregnancy without marriage resulted in feeling worthless and ending up a teenager life. The pregnant teenagers responded to their pregnancies with negative emotional states and sought alternative ways for the next step of life. They were concerned on health conditions of their babies inside wombs and a role of being a mother. They prepared themselves for taking care of the babies and prepared things for the babies. In addition, the pregnant teenagers were planning for: child care, their works, and a return to the education system.

The findings of this study can be used as an evidence for development of appropriate services and to respond to the needs of unmarried pregnant teenagers.